Interior & Exterior

What to Consider Before Removing an Interior Wall

When remodeling a home or even just a room or two, there are times when you may want to remove an interior wall. This can be necessary because the design calls for it or you may want a larger space. However, even the simplest wall can prove to be a challenge if you want to remove it. In some cases, they cannot be removed as doing so will affect the integrity of the structure.

Before taking down any wall, you need to be sure that it is not a load-bearing wall. The term load-bearing means that it supports a portion of the roof; if you remove a load-bearing wall, you could have the misfortune of your house tumbling down around you.

If you are attempting any kind of renovation that requires doing anything with your interior walls, call an expert for guidance. This person, whether a structural engineer or a building contractor, can tell you which walls you can remove and which ones you have to provide extra support for if you try to modify them by adding a wide doorway instead of removing it as you’d originally hoped.

Why Are You Tearing Down the Wall?

Be sure as to the reason why you want to remove a wall. If it is to let in more light or to give a more open design to a space, make sure that this will achieve the desired result. To avoid making a costly mistake, come up with a plan, however simple, of what you want the space to look like

What to Look for Before Getting Into the Demolition Phase

Even if a wall is not load bearing, it may serve other purposes. It is also necessary to know what this might be in order to prevent any problems. For example, look for light switches, as these will indicate the location of power supply lines. Hacking into walls containing a power supply will not only give you a zap, it can also lead to a fire in the building.

When removing a wall, you may be surprised to know that you may need to employ different people to get it done. Some walls may have plumbing fixtures, making it necessary to have a plumber present to help with the job. You may also need to call in an HVAC technician to handle air conditioning fixtures or the removal of vents.

Protective Coverings

If you can remove the wall, make sure to protect any furniture that is in the room. Cover cloth furniture with a thick drop cloth that will protect it from very fine dust particles produced as you cut through drywall. This kind of work can result in lots of dust and debris.

If you want to do any type of renovation work that requires removing or cutting walls, you need to call us at our Maryland office 410-877-6112 or our Delaware office at 302-793-9352. We have the expertise to know which walls are safe to tear down. We are also able to help with any type of renovation work you need as well.